Google has released a second developer preview of Android M. The next version of the Android operating system is expected to launch this fall, but Google has been offering developers (and early adopters) a chance to try early builds of the software on select Nexus devices since May 28th.

The second preview includes a newer version of Google Play Services, changes to permissions, and new developer tools, as well as fixes for some bugs.

android m 2

Like the first preview, the new software is available for Google Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 smartphones, the Nexus 9 tablet, and the Nexus Player Android TV box.

If you’re already running the first preview you can wait for an over-the-air update to roll out. If you’re impatient (or installing the software for the first time), you can download the latest builds from the Android Developers website. There’s also a new SDK and new developer documentation.

Among other things, the update modifies the way permissions are handled for external storage, WiFi and Bluetooth location detection, and contacts and identity permissions.

When you hook up a device to a computer with a USB cable, it’ll be set to charge-only mode by default, but you can grant permission to connect to the computer.

You can find a more detailed list of changes at the Android Developers website. Plus there are a few goodies Google hasn’t mentioned, including:

Ars Technica has a good roundup of most of the new (or different) features in Android M Developer Preview 2.

Google says the features and APIs included in this release are pretty close to what the company plans to ship this fall. But it’s still asking testers to report critical issues.

 

Support Liliputing

Liliputing's primary sources of revenue are advertising and affiliate links (if you click the "Shop" button at the top of the page and buy something on Amazon, for example, we'll get a small commission).

But there are several ways you can support the site directly even if you're using an ad blocker* and hate online shopping.

Contribute to our Patreon campaign

or...

Contribute via PayPal

* If you are using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin and seeing a pop-up message at the bottom of the screen, we have a guide that may help you disable it.

Subscribe to Liliputing via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 9,547 other subscribers

One reply on “Google releases Android M Developer Preview 2”

Comments are closed.